French Polynesia encompasses 118 islands and atolls spread across five archipelagos in the central South Pacific. For charter guests, the territory offers something genuinely rare: turquoise lagoons surrounded by barrier reefs, volcanic peaks draped in tropical vegetation, and a Polynesian culture that remains vibrant and welcoming.
The Society Islands — anchored by Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora — form the primary charter ground. Bora Bora's lagoon is legendary, but Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha'a each deliver their own character. The passages between islands are manageable, the anchorages are well-charted, and the water clarity is extraordinary.
Beyond the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago offers world-class diving among coral atolls — Rangiroa and Fakarava in particular draw serious divers. The Marquesas, further north, are raw volcanic islands with a different, more rugged character.
Charter season runs year-round, with the dry season (May to October) offering the most reliable weather. The wet season (November to April) is warmer and more humid but less crowded. Water temperatures remain above 26°C throughout the year.
- Bora Bora lagoon — snorkelling with reef sharks and rays in turquoise water
- Rangiroa and Fakarava — world-class drift diving through coral passes
- Moorea — Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, two of the Pacific's most dramatic anchorages
- Black pearl farms and vanilla plantations of Huahine and Raiatea
The dry season (May–October) brings settled trade winds, lower humidity and excellent diving visibility. July and August are peak months — the weather is reliable and the Heiva festival fills Tahiti with music and dance. November to April is the wetter season, with higher temperatures and occasional cyclone risk in the Tuamotus, though the Society Islands rarely receive direct hits.
Looking to charter a yacht in French Polynesia? See our French Polynesia yacht charter guide for available yachts, sample itineraries, and pricing.
